PAUL SAID: I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE THE DEAD

Acts 23, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God in all good conscience!” Instantly Ananias the High Priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. Paul said to him, “God shall slap you, you whitewashed pigpen. What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?” Those standing near Paul said to him, “Is that the way to talk to God’s High Priest?” “I didn’t realize he was the High Priest, brothers,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘Never speak evil of any of your rulers.’” Then Paul thought of something! Part of the Council were Sadducees, and part were Pharisees! So he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were all my ancestors! And I am being tried here today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!” This divided the Council right down the middle the Pharisees against the Sadducees for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or even eternal spirit within us, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or angel spoke to him there on the Damascus road. The shouting grew louder and louder, pulling Paul in this way and that. Finally the commander, fearing they would tear him apart, ordered his soldiers to take him away and take him back to the armory. FRIENDS, JESUS WAS FIRST OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD! ONE DAY, WE TOO SHALL RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE! Revelation 1:5-6, from Jesus Christ who faithfully reveals all truth to us. He was the first to rise from death, to die no more. He is far greater than any king in all the earth. All praise to him who always loves us and who set us free from our sins by pouring out his lifeblood for us. He has gathered us into his Kingdom and made us priests of God his Father. Give to him everlasting glory! He rules forever! Amen!